C8 Stingray vs C8 Z06 Upgrade - Is It Worth It?

After owning two C8 stingrays and the Z06, figured I’d share my opinion on if the Corvette Z06 is truly worth the extra ~ $50k upgrade or not.

IG: Laz.C8

[jamesh]

Thanks for the content. To borrow your analogy a little bit further - the base Stingray is a car 99% of drivers can outperform 99% of all other cars sold today. In reality it all comes down to budget and use for what you want to do with it.

[michaeldodd]

You read my mind. I just moved from a stingray to a Z06, and I couldn’t have framed the value statement any better than you did.

[gsdawgblues]

Have a 2024 z51 3LT C8. Love it. Took the Ron Fellows Corvette Performance Driving School. Once I trusted the car on the track (after the instructor ride), I realized the z51 is more car than almost all of us are capable of, as drivers. It simply can handle all you can give it. The instructors said the Z06 is 2 seconds faster on the track. Huge disparity for a racecar driver, but for amateurs enjoying track day, not much. That being said, heck, I'd love having a Z06. Who wouldn't, even if we couldn't drive it to it's ultimate capabilities? That sound, that horsepower, that 8600 RPM? Heaven on earth for a Corvette owner.

[Motleymick]

Very fair and honest video. I think the C8 Z06 would be the better choice if you don't already have a C8 Stingray. They're just getting over populated (rightfully so) for me these days. And there are many things about it that I don't prefer. I'm going to keep my Z51 and do a 850hp stage 2 package on it. I like doing mods and changing the car. There is nothing wrong with the "base model".

[brucewayne]

Coming from a Redeye, the Z06 was a must. Only thing missing is that low end torque. I never even considered the Stingray, though. Never liked the way it looked. A lot of people will say “but they look the same”. No, they do not. The differences are very apparent to me.

[jameswalton]

yes it is, I have had a c5 c6 and c7 z06 and loved them all.... I couldnt see myself going back. so the c8 z06 was it and I dont regret getting it at all..

[billydee]

Thanx for an interesting and informative video.

Here are some additional things to consider. The operating expense of a ZO6 are far greater e.g. gas, insurance and personal property taxes (pending on where you live). Also, I'm sure the maintenance costs will be greater as well. Note: I don't consider the higher resale value of a ZO6 simply because the dollar for dollar returns due to depreciation are lower so that element will wash out.

To me, it's all about bragging rights. No one, 'needs' a Corvette. We just get them because we love the car's looks and capability. In my opinion, the Vette remains the best value in performance cars. In the end, I think just about every C8 ZO6 owner will reconcile the additional expense in their mind. I know I would. It's all emotionally driven as there's really nothing practical about a sports car anyway. 🙂

I'd already have a C8 ZO6 if it wasn't for Chevy's money grab policies when the C8 and C8 ZO6 initially rolled out e.g. allowing dealer 'premiums' and high instances of car flippers. Their attitude really soured my enthusiasm for the car but I'll eventually get over that. I guess the market hype expanded the Corvette's customer base which, in turn, shifted GM's focus towards short term gains.

For now, I'm just going wait to see if there are any inherent design flaws in the platform and if there are, GM's response. Most owners aren't really driving their Vettes that much so I don't think the C8 and C8 ZO6 platforms have enough miles and time on them for me to consider the platforms proven. I'm also curious about what the E-Ray and ZR1 will do to the market.

[cruizelover]

I upgraded from 2022 3LT Z51 Magride to LZ1. 100% happy and zero regrets!

[ktriebol]

I think both cars are great and agree that the Z06 is worth the extra money. I like to keep my Corvettes for long term, and in fact most of them I have bought used and even those I kept for many years. This leads me to a concern about the LT6 engine in the Z06. I am not saying that I think this engine is unreliable, but after 10 years or more, I think owners will have difficulty finding someone who is qualified and willing to work on that engine. That includes Chevrolet dealers. That is a big negative for me, but should not be a problem for anyone who sells within 10 years. The LT2 in the Stingray is more of a typical Chevy V8. Parts will be commonly available, and qualified mechanics will be easy to find.

[Hellcat-pgpq]

I agree completely. Great review. I had driven a Stingray and opted to get the ZO6. I've been criticized for mentioning this, but in my opinion the Stingray lacked the excitement I was looking for. The Stingray is so composed and so capable of handling it's 495 ponies that it left me wanting for more horsepower and drama. A friend bought a C8 in 2021 and wanted to trade for my Hellcat for a week and I turned him down. My other vehicles have in excess of 700 HP and although I love the Stingray, I chose to put money down in Feb '22 and wait almost two years for the ZO6. Ron Fellows school is a Blast! Best experience ever! One thing though, when I attended, instructors were forced to drive Stingrays due to a lack of ZO6 availability. This led to aggressive ZO6 students catching up on the big straight and through the some corners preventing you from going all out. I love the bowl section in the video!

[UALHVY]

I have a 24 Z06. Yes, it’s worth every penny. The engine is incredible.

[theguy]

Not everyone needs a z06 it's more of a want car. You get the car for it's engine. That's it. Yes the widebody is a plus but an ERAY also has a widebody. The engine is why you get a z06. That's why i got one. Otherwise i probably would have gotten something else, maybe a ZR1 if it's not 250k MSRP. I knew back in 2020 the z06 would be sick so i put my deposit to get on the wait list. Had mine for a year now and it's been flawless. The sound is incredible and the attention it gets makes you feel like you're in an actual exotic. I would never go back to a stingray after owning a z06. Doesn't make the stingray a bad car but it's like indulging in your main course before you even touch the appetizer. You won't even want to eat the appeitizers after experiencing the main course.

[pb]

Good content. You feeling like rims and exhaust needs to be upgraded isn't apples to apples as you say. Lots of people who can't afford the Z06 and content with factory. I feel I like the rumble of the stingray over the whine of the Z.

But you answered my biggest question. Daily driver, is it worth it? Nope. So I will get that supercharger and pay less on taxes and insurance on my 2LT Z51 with HUD and Mag ride.

Thanks again.

[Grmmjoww_]

Well I sold my '22 Stingray a month ago. I had it 2 1/2 years and loved it but I had this nagging feeling that it wasn't my long term fun car. My gut is telling me it's worth it to move up to a Z06 despite its significant price tag. Ive had a total of 5 vettes ranging from the C5 up to the C8, but all base models. These seems like the perfect time to final step up to a Z06

[Pboy]

The problem I have is that because this car is so capable, I consistently find myself driving like a jerk! My first Vette and I love her.

[jeffbeaver]

Another factor to consider is climate. I live in Georgia and have a 2024 C8 Stingray. I drive it year round and would do so with a Z06. In a northern climate, such as Illinois, I would imagine you park your Z06 for 6 months out of the year. I lived in the Chicago area for 4 years and would not want to take a Z06 out in that weather from probably November to March. But, you do get 6 months of great driving!

[jayhendon]

Love the sound of the Z06, however if you have the Brembo option, that’s another $8.5k tacked on to the price difference of $47k of the Stingray.
I’m not planning to track my car, nevertheless, for the $16k cheaper price of the Eray($8.5k Brembos/standard on Eray), $2.5k gas tax not on Eray, and MSRP of $5k above the Eray, I’m buying a front nose lift, HTC, 3LZ interior package, and other goodies for my Eray.
They both are good values for what you get. The Z06 is more track oriented while the Eray, you can track it, is more street oriented and a great GT car.
Thanks again Tadge for the C8.

[livinglife]

Hopefully once the zr1 hits the market, the z06 prices will be even better. U are right about the Hellcat, once my Challenger gets moving, it just pulls & pulls. The c8 on the other hand, takes off like a rocket, but once U get to a certain speed, it’s

[jordonpumpin]

This is a great comparison goodjob on this

[RayLacks]

What a great im going to a new C8 driver just looking for what i will really want